Are reference nutrient intakes for key micronutrients and macronutrients set by COMA (1991) met and are their importance understood among pregnant women, attending antenatal clinics in Liverpool
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this project was to investigate if intakes of key micronutrients and macronutrients during pregnancy reflect the understanding of specific micronutrients and macronutrients. The study further hypothesised if age, marital status, occupation, trimester of pregnancy, number of previous pregnancies and smoking affects total micronutrient and macronutrient intake and affects understanding of key micronutrients and macronutrients. Design: A prospective observational study. Subjects and methods: Pregnant women (n=47) were recruited from 3 different antenatal classes across Merseyside, UK. Subjects completed a non validated questionnaire and 3 day food diary. Questionnaires were analysed using SPSS and intakes were analysed using dietary analysis software. Results: Occupation had a significant positive influence on dietary micronutrient intakes (p=0.004). Occupation had further affects on nutritional knowledge (p=0.009). Other significant differences were established between trimester and mean dietary intakes (p=0.008). The majority of mean intakes of micronutrients and macronutrients were lower than UK recommendations set by COMA (1991) for pregnant women. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that intakes of key micronutrients and macronutrients during pregnancy did not reflect the understanding of specific micronutrients and macronutrients. The participants from this study possessed a sound understanding of food sources for the different micronutrients and macronutrients. However it appears that this did not influence dietary intake, as RNIs in general were lower than recommended.Publisher
University of ChesterType
Thesis or dissertationLanguage
enCollections
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